This Week's Night Vision: Venus

Venus, also known as the Morning Star, is a world shrouded in mystery ... quite literally in fact. The surface of this planet is entirely obscured by thick clouds. What could possibly be hiding beneath them?

Hemispheric view of Venus produced by the Magellan Spacecraft in 1990. (Image credit: NASA)

This very question has spurred the imaginations of scientists and artists alike, leading to all manner of wild speculation.

Thick clouds would suggest an abundance of water. So, perhaps there is a vast planet-spanning ocean beneath the veil of the Venusian atmosphere. Or dense rain forests teeming with bizarre alien life. Or maybe even intelligent life. And if there could be life beneath the clouds of Venus, could we look to Earth’s mysterious twin as a possible home for future space-faring humans?

Join us this Thursday at 6:45 for a trip to this strange world when we will peek below the clouds of Venus and discover what hides beneath. Tickets are just $2.00 per person for the public, and free for members of Clark Planetarium. Get your tickets now.